Conditions InDepth: Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the wearing down of structures in the joint that leads to pain and stiffness. It can affect any joint but is most common in knees, hip, spine, and hands.

The cartilage is often the first structure of the knee that becomes damaged. Cartilage is a smooth tissue that covers bone surfaces inside the joint that allows the bones to move smoothly over each other. The breakdown of this cartilage causes rough uneven surfaces of the joint which cause pain and discomfort with movement. Eventually the cartilage may completely wear away leaving the bone surfaces bare making movement very difficult and painful. Over time, this damage can lead to extra stress and eventual damage to other structures of the joint such as ligaments, tendons, and synovium, a capsule that surrounds the joint.

OA is a degenerative joint disease, which means it gradually worsens over time, as a result OA is more common in adults over 50 years of age. OA can also affect people differently. Some may have mild symptoms with little progression, while others may have symptoms that significantly worsen over time, affecting mobility and quality of life.

Causes

OA is often the result of wear and tear on joints over time. People may be more or less likely to have OA because of a combination of genetics and environment. Factors that can increase stress on joints and increase the amount of wear and tear include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Osteoarthritis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Osteoarthritis/default.asp. Updated April 2015. Accessed May 11, 2016.